Hull firms hit out at A-board ban
COMPLAINTS made by a council "focus group" have prompted a crackdown on shops using A-boards in Hull.
Members of the disability equality group say the signs pose a hazard for some people – including the partially-sighted – when walking in the city.
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Philip Brignell, left, and Tom Bowden, of SoHo Lounge in Posterngate, Hull, with their A-board.
However, shopkeepers have criticised the move, saying it is an attack on struggling businesses.
And one wheelchair-user has said people texting on mobile phones, not looking where they are walking, is a bigger problem than A-boards.
Hull City Council has given shops in the city two weeks to remove their signs from pavements – or face a fine of up to £2,500.
The council said many of the advertising boards are illegally placed on private or council land and are a hazard to the disabled and partially-sighted.
Charles Smith, 36, co-owns Goldenfry, a fish and chip shop in Saville Street, near Queen Victoria Square.
He purchased an A-board two months ago in a bid to save the chippy from flagging sales.
He said: "We are bringing in £2,000 less a week than we were two years ago.
"We brought in the sign so passers-by would notice us because the shop is hidden behind a big tree.
"The council is allowed to block entire streets with markets but I cannot have one sign up. It is terrible."
Jamie Cass, principal enforcement officer for Hull City Council, said: "We are holding an amnesty period to give business owners the chance to be made aware about what they can and cannot do, as we recognise it is particularly difficult for them during this recession.
"The crackdown on illegal A-boards follows an approach from the council's disability equality focus group."
The amnesty begins today and runs until November 30.
After this time, businesses could be given a £75 fixed- penalty notice or prosecuted in court and fined up to £2,500, plus council costs.
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by Callum, Hull
Friday, November 13 2009, 2:55PM
“Well well well I think this is truely stupid all over this city is liottered bollards fencing posts for road signs all sorts of detritus if the boards have to go lets have rid of the rest and make it like that London borough Kensington and Chelsea mimimalist its far better, get rid of the lot.”
by Dave, Hell
Thursday, November 12 2009, 11:23PM
“Funny how Hull City Council tell traders to remove A boards cluttering up the roadside then do the same thing themselves.
ie: Massive advertising boards along freetown way. Causing distractions to motorists. In fact not just along there but everywhere. Obviously its ok when they are getting money in from them.”
by Charles, cott
Thursday, November 12 2009, 4:39PM
“These signs are causing an obstruction and are thus breaking the Highways Act 1980. The offenders should be prosecuted after a fair warning; though really they know they are trying it on. The council cannot allow some of these signs but ban others; that would be illegal.”
by Thorn Boy, Thorn
Thursday, November 12 2009, 2:12PM
“If the wheelchair people don't like it then perhaps they should organize some sort of shopping centre just for their use.Then we won't have all this silly political correctness all the time.And let's face it, they get enough benefit's.....”
by Terry, Swanland
Thursday, November 12 2009, 1:37PM
“I think "focus group' is an inappropiate name for people dealing with partially-sighted folk”
by Martyn, Hull
Thursday, November 12 2009, 1:33PM
“Propforward
I think you mistook my meaning. I know communication has to be available in braille, large font, Urdu etc etc etc. What I meant is things like adverts on bus shelters, shop signs, sale offers in windows etc etc. Where do you draw a line?”
by propforward08, Front Row
Thursday, November 12 2009, 1:24PM
“Martyn, Hull - Believe it or not under DDA regs all written communication publically available must be available in Braille and other larger font sizes.”
by Pob, Bev
Thursday, November 12 2009, 1:19PM
“So the bloke from the chippy says his takings are £2000 per week down. That's £100,000 a year !!!!!
I'm in the wrong business. Anyone fancy a chip butty?”
by Ben, Hull
Thursday, November 12 2009, 1:09PM
“Do people realise a 'focus group' is made up of volunteers to put their views to the Council? The Council then acts on any issues brought up - if people are so concerned maybe they should volunteer and share their views, instead of complaining once a decision has been made? Just a thought!”
by Steve, Hull
Thursday, November 12 2009, 12:56PM
“With shops closing all over the city centre the council has got to make up the shortfall in business rates what will they do when their are no shops left in the city centre?”